Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
06:11
Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Predictive value of lung function trend and FeNO for difficult asthma in children
1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania. ibrumaru@unitbv.ro
Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|October 30, 2012
Summary
Persistently high fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels predict difficult asthma in children. Lung function trends were not found to be predictive of difficult asthma in this pediatric cohort.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Asthma Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Difficult asthma in children poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Identifying predictive biomarkers is crucial for early intervention and management.
- Current predictors often lack specificity, necessitating further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictive value of lung function and FeNO for identifying difficult asthma in children.
- To determine if specific pathophysiological features can forecast the development of difficult asthma.
- To enhance diagnostic accuracy for challenging pediatric asthma cases.
Main Methods:
- Prospective 1-year study of children with uncontrolled persistent asthma on inhaled corticosteroids.
- Difficult asthma defined by persistent symptoms/exacerbations despite optimized treatment.
- Analysis included lung function, FeNO levels, and various clinical risk factors via logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two percent of enrolled children developed difficult asthma after 1 year.
- Persistently high FeNO levels (> 45 ppb) were a significant predictor (P = .04).
- Obesity (P = .04) and severe rhinitis (P = .03) also independently predicted difficult asthma.
Conclusions:
- Persistently elevated FeNO is a valuable predictor of difficult asthma in pediatric patients.
- Lung function trends did not demonstrate predictive value for difficult asthma.
- FeNO measurement offers a potential tool for risk stratification in childhood asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.